In a stunning victory for personal freedom and religious rights, Tanja Benton, a former biostatistical research scientist at Tennessee BlueCross BlueShield, was awarded nearly $700,000 by a grand jury. This ruling came after Benton courageously stood her ground against the company’s overreaching COVID-19 vaccine mandate. The U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee made this laudable decision, where Benton had faithfully served for 17 years.

Benton bravely refused to bow down to the tyrannical vaccine mandate imposed by BlueCross BlueShield, which led to her unjust termination. Unyielding in her fight for justice, she filed a lawsuit against the insurance giant. After thorough deliberation, the jury rightfully concluded that BlueCross BlueShield owed Benton $687,240 in backpay and damages. The verdict was based on the undeniable fact that the company failed miserably to make reasonable accommodations for Benton’s religious beliefs or prove that doing so would have caused undue hardship.

As per court documents, Benton had been efficiently working remotely for a year and a half before the company’s oppressive vaccine mandate. Her job did not necessitate much interaction with others, serving only 10 to 12 clients per year. Hence, Benton rightly argued that she could continue working remotely without posing any health risk to herself or others.

Despite putting forward a religious exemption request, the company heartlessly rejected it and suggested she look for employment elsewhere. Even after her appeal, the company stubbornly insisted there were no exceptions for employees like her, leaving Benton with no choice but to seek legal recourse. The court’s ruling in favor of Benton underscored BlueCross BlueShield’s failure to provide a valid reason for dismissing her religious exemption and terminating her employment.

In an attempt to justify their actions, BlueCross BlueShield released a statement claiming that their vaccine mandate was for the health and safety of their employees, members, and communities, especially those most susceptible to the virus. They also expressed appreciation for Benton’s service, a hollow gesture after their blatant disregard for her rights.

 

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Benton’s case is a powerful testament to standing up against corporate bullying and preserving religious freedom. The court’s decision was based on upholding Benton’s religious belief and the company’s failure to prove that they had made reasonable accommodations or that accommodating Benton’s beliefs would have caused undue hardship.

While BlueCross BlueShield continues to insist that their vaccine mandate was necessary for the well-being of their employees, members, and communities, this ruling serves as a stark reminder that employers must respect religious beliefs when implementing mandates or policies. It’s a triumph for personal liberties over corporate coercion.

Source: SilverCircular